Shoe Palace’s John Mersho on crafting a streetwear collection around MONOPOLY

John, it’s great to catch up. Shoe Palace launched a MONOPOLY collection late last year. What made this an attractive brand for Shoe Palace?
Hasbro’s MONOPOLY is one of the most iconic and recognisable board games in the world. It’s a brand that carries a deep sense of nostalgia, while still being relevant across generations. At Shoe Palace, we always look for collaborations that blend heritage with modern style, and MONOPOLY fit that vision perfectly. The game’s legacy, its spirit of healthy competition and its rich storytelling made it an incredible brand for our team to work with. We saw an opportunity to take a classic and reinvent it for a fashion-forward audience.

Design-wise, what were some key elements you knew you wanted to take into the first collection?
From the start, we wanted to balance bold, statement-making pieces with more understated designs that still carried MONOPOLY’s DNA. The game has so many recognisable elements – Mr. Monopoly, the money, the playing pieces, and even the board itself – so we had a wealth of inspiration to pull from.

“The visual language of MONOPOLY is so strong that we could reinterpret it in unexpected ways.”

On that, what made this brand an interesting one for your designers to sink their teeth into?
MONOPOLY is unique because it’s not just a game – it’s a cultural touchstone. It brings people together, sparks competition and represents strategy, luck and taking chances. That depth allowed our designers to approach the collection from multiple angles. They weren’t just working with a logo; they had an entire world to explore. The visual language of MONOPOLY is so strong that we could reinterpret it in unexpected ways – blending classic game elements with streetwear aesthetics. This level of creative freedom made it an exciting challenge for our team, pushing them to innovate while staying true to the brand’s legacy.

Is there a stand-out item in the range that you feel highlights why Shoe Palace and MONOPOLY were a good fit for each other?
The stand-out item from our Shoe Palace x MONOPOLY Holiday 2024 collection was the Get Out of Jail Varsity Jacket. The varsity jacket boasts a premium wool base with sleek leather sleeves, adorned with iconic MONOPOLY logos in a variety of finishes, including embroidery, chenille and patches like the Chance cards, creating an elevated and unique aesthetic. Understanding that our customers appreciate value, we went all-in on intricate artwork to stay true to the timeless appeal of the classic board game, ensuring this piece delivers both style and substance.

Looks terrific. Some items, like the hoodie, contain more ‘subtle’ design elements. Like the ‘Take a Chance’ line… Can you talk me through what steers design decisions around subtle design vs ‘bigger’ showcases of the brand?
It all comes down to versatility and consumer preference. Some people want a bold statement piece, something that immediately catches the eye and makes it clear they’re rocking a MONOPOLY collab. Others appreciate a more understated nod to the brand – details that only those who really know will recognise.

With elements like the “Take a Chance” phrase, we leaned into that second group. It’s about rewarding attention to detail and creating pieces that work in multiple settings. We always aim for a balance in our collections so that every type of consumer can find something that fits their style.

I hear you’re building on this collection this year. What can you tell us about what’s to come?
Absolutely! The response to the first collection was incredible, so we’re expanding on that foundation. Without giving too much away, we’re diving deeper into the MONOPOLY universe – exploring even more of its iconic elements and bringing them to life in fresh ways. Expect bolder graphics, elevated materials and even more interactive design elements.

Last question! What’s your go-to playing piece in MONOPOLY?
I have to go with the car. It’s all about speed, movement, and getting ahead – kind of like what we do at Shoe Palace. Plus, it’s just a classic.

Good answer! Thanks again.